Printer’s proof

A printer’s proof in phillumeny is usually a press proof (q.v.) or contract proof. A printer’s proof can not be produced at the beginning of a print run but only some time before a print run.  The printer’s proof will always have the function of being the clients approval of the content of the print. The printer’s proof may also be used as a standard for the print run to match. Each printer’s proot will be signed or stamped or otherwised marked by the client to indicate their approval.  There are usually two printer’s proofs, one for the printer and one for the client. There may be additional copies for archiving and head office functions but it would be most unlikely to produce more than perhaps six printer’s proofs for any print run with a tendency to have fewer. So every printer’s proof is a rare item, but it does not necessarily make them collectable. If a printer’s proof is unmarked for approval it is not a printer’s proof.

N.B. Many modern uncut sheets of labels are often described as printer’s proofs when they are in fact just print samples taken from the print run Today many modern so called printer’s proofs the initial prints that are produced at the start of a print run whilst the printer makes adjustments to achieve acceptable prints. They can be produced with one, more or all colours, too much or too little ink and can be on different paper. Items cut from printer’s pulls are sometimes offered to collectors as genuine items. Any mint examples cut from printer’s pulls might be collected as a curiosity but they should be considered as waste from the printing process having no value.  However, used examples from printer’s pulls can be an indicator of prevailing economic constraints or quality standards and their brevity in production can make them sought after. See also colour proof.